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Home › Baby Names Directory › Mali

Mali

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAH-lee /ˈmɑ.li/High

Meaning: Flower; from Thai mali, the jasmine flower — also the West African country and a short form of Malia or AmaliaMedium

In 30 seconds: Jasmine, named: Mali is Thai for the fragrant white flower used in garlands and offerings — and an empire-grand African nation, and a short Malia. Small name, wide world.
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Origin MediumThai, American
MeaningFlower; from Thai mali, the jasmine flower — also the West African country and a short form of Malia or Amalia
U.S. rank (2025)#3954 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births37 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2008
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,405

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200819672025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Mali is the Thai word for jasmine — mali, the white flower strung into offerings and Mother's Day garlands — and independently the name of the great West African empire and nation, and a short form of Malia and Amalia. Three roots converge on one warm sound.

In the U.S. it appears across Thai, African-heritage, and Malia-shortening families. Rare, fragrant, and multinational.

Did you know? In Thailand, mali (jasmine) garlands are given on Mother's Day — the flower is the symbol of maternal love, making Mali a name that smells of devotion.
Overall data confidence 78%
Thai dictionary — mali — word meaning

Variations

MaleeMaliaAmali

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Mali Music (1989-)
    American gospel and R&B singer-songwriter known for soulful crossover recordings

If you like Mali…

Malia— the name it can shorten
Jasmine— the flower Mali names in Thai
Amara— a fellow African-rooted favorite
Lani— the companion short island-flavored name

Explore names like Mali

By themeflowerinternationalthai
By meaningFlower

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Mali mean?

Mali is Thai for 'jasmine flower'; it is also the West African nation and a short form of Malia or Amalia.

How do you pronounce Mali?

It's said MAH-lee /ˈmɑ.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Mali a boy or girl name?

Mali is used mainly as a girl's name.

How popular is Mali?

Mali is a rare name in the U.S.

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